גולם
gólemmasculine
The Hebrew word for "creature" is גולם (gólem) (golem).
While the word refers to the mythological creature, in modern Hebrew it can also be used metaphorically. It may describe a person who follows orders blindly or a person who is clumsy and lacks coordination.
Meaning: creature (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the word refers to an unformed mass or an unfinished thing, which is the etymological basis for the mythological creature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word גולם is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
gólem
Did you know?
- To deactivate a גולם, one must erase the first letter of אמת ('truth'), which transforms the word into מת, meaning 'dead'.
- In Jewish folklore, a גולם is brought to life by writing a holy name or the word אמת ('truth') on its forehead or placing a parchment in its mouth.
- The word גולם shares a root with the idea of something being 'bunched up' or 'rolled together', reflecting the physical process of molding the creature.
Examples in context
- העיר מוגנת על ידי גולם.The town is protected by a golem.This sentence shows the use of גולם in a protective context.Tatoeba #11031159 by shekitten, translation #11014574 by shekitten
- רק חכם יכול לעשות גולם.Only a sage can make a golem.This sentence illustrates the ability to create a גולם.Tatoeba #11875328 by shekitten, translation #11875322 by shekitten
- הגולם נוצר במקרה ועל ידי שגגה של מייצרו.The golem was created accidentally and by a mistake of its maker.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “golem” translations and entries גולם, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries גולם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
